Preliminary modelling of power losses in roller chain drive: application to single speed cycling

A quasi-static chain drive model is proposed. This model, consistent with single speed cycling application, applies to simple two sprocket drives. The kinematics of the transmission is determined, including the capture and release positions of the rollers and the influence of the polygonal effect. The tensions into the links and the contact forces (between rollers and sprocket) are then calculated based on the results of the kinematic analysis. Both chain strands are assumed to be straight and their tension are considered as imposed. An estimate of the roller displacement is proposed using existing studies on the relationship between loading conditions and roller positions along the sprocket tooth profile. The presented model, is then used to assess the contribution of both meshing and roller motion on the global efficiency of the drive. Calculations show that the magnitude of both loss sources is similar for a wide range of gear ratios and loading conditions. According to the presented results, the relative motion between the rollers and the sprocket tooth profile should be considered in future studies dedicated to chain drive efficiency.